Drones

Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 October 2017 08:01

Overview:

The Pullman Police Department was interested in exploring the implementation of an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) program.

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), also called “unmanned aerial vehicles” (UAVs) or drones, have been in use by the military for years as a lower-cost, safer alternative to manned aircraft. The business community is incorporating UASs at a rapid pace. Law enforcement nationwide has begun to utilize UASs for the same reasons as the military: more cost effective and safer than manned aircraft and, in many ways, more versatile than manned aircraft. A number of law enforcement agencies in Washington State have already launched UAS programs.

After this topic was reported in the media locally, WSU staff contacted us about exploring the possibility of collaborating with us on the development of a UAS program. Staff has since met with an Assistant Professor in Computer Science who specializes in artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomous control, multi-agent systems, and robotics. WSU wishes to conduct research and provide assistance on the development and use of UASs by Pullman PD.